considerations would have to be banished in the face of this horrible
danger.

After repeatedly beating back the infuriated eagle, Ralph saw that
his best blows were glancing harmlessly from its shining armor of
feathers, and that the vengeful creature was gaining courage with
every charge. Moreover, in his cramped position he was at a
disadvantage, while the blood trickling down from the wound in his
forehead made his sight uncertain. In desperation he resolved to
turn the knife edge uppermost and to strike with an upward motion
as the bird rushed close.

His next blow showed the wisdom of this course. Aided by the bird's
reckless attack, the keen blade found its mark under one of those
great pounding pinions, and by the diminishing force of the next
charge, and the next, Ralph knew that the eagle was weakening.

Another lucky thrust hurled the wounded bird to the ground, where
it lay kicking feebly for a few moments; then, with a convulsive
jerk, it flopped over and lay still at the edge of the stream.

Ralph slid out from his crevice, and bathed his face in the cold
water. Refreshed, he picked up the two splendid birds and gazed at
them almost sadly, with no feeling of elation. He was full of
admiration for the brave fight they had made.

"I had to do it, I had to do it," he muttered apologetically, as
if seeking an excuse for an act which he found difficult to defend.
"Better do this than to borrow money and get into debt."